Visit Other Courses

I did not realize the significance of this until I started doing it. Given the significance I wanted to take the time to share my experiences with this very subject. “Play other courses” an idea developed by David Jones, a wonderful member in the industry who has simply been playing other courses. A tremendous idea that not only allows for a renewed love of the game but also turf management!

Goal: Meet as many turfies as possible

One could say that I have adapted a similar idea but on doing site visits. As a student who plays a lot of courses, I have been truly blessed to meet some amazing people and hear about their interesting management practices and stories. I have had times where I have reached out to perspective employers, responded to a Twitter message, or simply just started talking to a crew member.

These simple methods of connecting with industry members start a whole new level of knowledge and connection. (Keep in mind that not every industry member is on Turf Twitter, unless you meet in-person or through another social media platform, how else can you connect?)

Every superintendent I have visited has become a mentor.

Some I stay connected with, so much so, that I will be interning at one of the courses I have visited. You never know where a simple conversation will take you.

The deeper meaning...

Every Superintendent has a unique way of approaching the art of turfgrass management.

Sometimes superintendents are doing things you have never heard of! I LOVE seeing other courses! Being a golfer, when I am competing a try my hardest to focus of the game and the challenges I may be or will face on each hole. (The key word is “try,” does not always happen. Or hardly ever!) Instead, you can now see a course, ask all those burning questions, and walk along the facility through the eyes of the greenkeeper. AND... You talk turf with a fellow turfie...BEST CONVERSATIONS EVER!!!

Another thing to mention is how one can continue to remind themselves why they do what they love and why they love it in the first place. Cutting up a green to see the soil profile, reading product labels in the chemical storage facility, finding diseases (my personal favorite), exploring the pump house and so much more, just reminds me of all the factors that go into this crop.

These site visits remind me that I have way too many questions and I want all the answers. I am aware I will never know every intricate detail of the agronomics behind turfgrass management, but I sure would like to get as close as I can.

“Rip off the Band-Aid”

Have you visited other facilities before? If yes, please keep it up. If you have not, start today! Reach out to the superintendent through twitter or leave your contact info in the pro shop (did that once, worked like a charm). DO NOT be afraid to do so. Reach out to that person that is leading the industry or managing a club you have been dying to see (did both once, also worked like charms.)

Worst case scenario, they do not respond, or say no, but they at least have your name. (*Please note that this is rare, but if it happens it is not something you did. Maybe try again later). If a site visit is not able to happen, you can suggest emailing them some questions or if you could ask the questions over a phone/zoom call. If they say yes, great, but what to ask?

Questions...

I always go with “the good stuff.” Here is a list of a few questions I always ask on a site visit. Feel free use these or create your own.

• Most troublesome weed, disease, insect? How are you treating it? (If chemical control) What is the active ingredient?

• NPK? N source? How often? How much? What is the formulation?

• Seed for greens, fairways, etc.? Is that a cultivar or variety?

• Do you roll? How often? Weight (in tons of roller)?

• HOC?

• Green speed?

• Soil type?

• Where do you send your soil and tissue tests? When was your last of each?

• Thatch depth?

• TDR reading?

• Irrigation layout?

• Main distributor? Go-to sales rep?

Of course, you should ask about how they got to where they are today. Did they pursue education or work their way up? Where have they interned or worked at before? Where do they have industry membership(s)? Have they volunteered for any events? Have they taken on leadership roles within the industry? Do they attend conferences/field days and if so, where?

(*PS If you can and would like to, I would love to hear your responses to the questions above!)

I am always amazed at each visit to understand more than before and realize I have far more yet to learn. Learn from others and tour a course!